Ongoing Dialogue with China Following Mbappe Controversy

As of November 2, 2026, La Liga president Javier Tebas stated that he is maintaining dialogue with Chinese authorities to address a controversy involving Kylian Mbappe's remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The comments led to two major Chinese brands dropping their association with Mbappe, notably after a video surfaced online in which he appeared to joke about Mao.

During a football match between Elche CF and Real Madrid CF at Martinez Valero Stadium on September 15, 2026, Kylian Mbappe, wearing the number 10 jersey, noted that he found an internet meme amusing that depicted his face superimposed on that of Mao. Following feedback from the public, both Mbappe and Real Madrid, along with La Liga, offered apologies due to the backlash received in China, where mocking Mao is sensitive due to the historical context of his rule.

In an effort to defuse tensions, Tebas confirmed that no La Liga matches were broadcast on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV over the weekend, with Real Madrid’s victory against Racing Santander not televised either.

At the World in Progress forum in Barcelona, Tebas shared, "For now, we wait and see how the situation develops... because given how events have unfolded, everything depends on things calming down a bit, on all the mess easing." He continued that there will be ongoing dialogue as he has been in contact with Chinese officials both in Madrid and Beijing.

Additionally, Tebas recently met with the Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, and emphasized the strong ties between China and Spanish football, which could aid in resolving the controversy. He referenced a strategy that has been in place for several years, involving both sports and political leaders in China.

He indicated that he also met with Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta at Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy in February. According to Tebas, a good agreement exists with the president of China Media Group, the parent company of CCTV. He stated, "Every time I travel to Beijing, I have a meeting with him."

Despite the controversy, Tebas expressed optimism about normalizing relations, recalling that China had severed ties with the NBA for years following a political dispute but he is hopeful that the current situation can be resolved more swiftly. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to engage with Chinese authorities to normalize relations with Spanish football.

Meanwhile, in La Liga action, Mbappe contributed to Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Racing Santander, bringing the team within three points of leaders Barcelona.